A Graphing Calculator (GC) is one of the most portable and affordable technology in mathematics education. It quickens the mechanical procedure in solving mathematical problems and creates a highly interactive learning environment, which makes learning a seemingly difficult subject, easy. Since research on the use of GCs for the teaching and…

Traditionally, mathematics has been taught using a very direct approach which the teacher explains the procedure to solve a problem and the students use pencil and paper to solve the problem. However, a variety of alternative approaches to mathematics have surfaced from a number of different directions. The purpose of this study was to examine the…

Presents the results of an investigation into how pre-service teachers with low-level mathematics qualifications do mathematics when using hand-held, sophisticated mathematics technology as a tool. Results indicate that students were able to master the technical aspects of the TI-92, ask relevant questions and engage in mathematical discussion,…

This study sought to gather empirical evidence of the effectiveness of calculus instruction like that used in the Calculus and Mathematica project by examining and comparing the effects of three different instructional approaches to calculus on students' (n=100) abilities to use and understand connections between numerical, graphical, and symbolic…

Describes how the introduction of the TI-92 transformed a traditional first semester linear algebra course into a matrix-oriented course that emphasized conceptual understanding, relevant applications, and numerical issues. Indicates an increase in students' overall performance as they found the calculator very useful, believed it helped them…

Examines the impact of the recent shift towards calculating and computing tools on the nature of learning in traditionally difficult curriculum area. Focuses on the use of graphic calculators by undergraduates taking an innovative new mathematics course at Open University. Indicates that graphic calculator technology acted as a critical mediator…

Technologies play a prominent role in current reforms of school and collegiate mathematics. This study examined ways in which first-semester calculus students still showed the influence of a graphing-intensive college algebra course they had studied one or two semesters earlier. Students (n=18) at a large research university were asked to solve a…

Explores how the use of the graphics calculator may lead to changes in students' solution approaches and how these changes affect student achievement. Concludes that only prolonged use of the graphic calculator leads to enrichment of the solution repertoire of students and a better understanding of functions. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/ASK)

Investigates the impact of the TI-89 hand-held Computer Algebra System (CAS) on student achievement in a first year college core calculus course. Analyzes data from an experimental study conducted at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1998-2000. Results indicate that the TI-89 hand-held CAS experimental group attained a higher…

Describes an inquiry into students' uses of graphics calculators in the Tertiary Entrance Examination of Calculus in Western Australia for 1998. Discusses a comparative analysis of boys' and girls' performances. Indicates that the main areas of difficulty for students are interpreting graphing calculator outputs and knowing when use of graphing…

Presents a study on calculus reform that examines how instructional approaches that place different emphases on the use of technology and multiple representations impact undergraduate calculus students' ability to use and understand connections between different representations of concepts. Compares three courses--traditional calculus, calculus…

Reports on a study replicating and extending a previous study examining the effects of the TI-92 graphics calculator and calculus instruction on students' success in calculus. Finds that students using a TI-92 had significantly better performance on the final exam and overall course grade than students using other calculators, and student-centered…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the TI-81 Graphics Calculator as an instructional tool on college algebra students' conceptual and procedural achievements involving functions and graphs and on the students' attitudes toward mathematics. The study was a posttest-only, equivalent control group design conducted with students…

The relationship between college students' preferred mode of processing mathematical information--visual or nonvisual--and their performance in calculus classes with and without technology was investigated. Students elected one of three different versions of an introductory differential calculus course: using graphing calculators, using the…

Recounts the experiences of faculty members as they addressed some of the challenges presented in choosing and integrating a new technology, the TI-89 hand-held computer algebra system (CAS), into the core mathematics curriculum. Relates in detail deciding which instrument to choose, instructing students to use the technology, affecting the…